10) Strategy: Non- Basic Strategy Plays

Consider your non-basic strategy options when they present themselves. The use of these options is almost exclusive to the special circumstances presented by tournament play. Depending on the situation, they may be your only way to survive the round. Learn to recognize when they are your best if not only option.

Splits
Would you consider splitting tens versus a dealers five or six up card in most situations? Probably not, but if you're behind during a round this is a chance to make a move up. Take the opportunity to get more chips on the table and split them.

EXAMPLE - Hand 21 @25,000 max/500 min
You 30,000 chips - bets 5,000 / dealt K+K
Seat 2 41,500 chips - bets 2,000
Seat 3 32,000 chips - bets 1,500
Seat 4 36,000 chips - bets 2,500 (Button)
Seat 5 37,000 chips - bets 2,000
Dealer 6/?

This example is a set up to split the K/K and get another 5,000 chips in action. Win both hands and you jump to 40,000 chips and catch up. If you lose, you'll still have 20,000 chips and be within a one bet all in striking distance of the leaders.

Double Down
A bit less obvious is doubling down with a made hand. A very unorthodox play and totally contrary to basic strategy but sometimes your only option.

EXAMPLE - Hand 30 @ 100,000 max/1,000 min
You 175,000 chips - bets 100,000 - draws K+7 / must double down
Seat 2 175,500 chips - bets 100,000 - draws Q+7 / stands (Button)
Dealer shows 5/?

You must double for less for at least 1,000 chips and take a card. It's you only chance to win because if you stand you will definitely lose the round. In fact, you must do the same for any total
of 17 or under.

The Swing
This non-basic strategy play does not require splitting or doubling down but can be just as effective. It is known as playing for the swing and involves you targeting a specific hand total. The desired specific hand total is at least 2 points higher than the opponents total. This allows for the possibility of the opponent losing and you winning if the dealer makes a hand between your totals.

EXAMPLE - Hand 25 @ 25,000 max/500 min
You 55,000 chips - bets 25,000 - draws 4+3/Q/hit to target 19,20,21
Seat 2 91,000 chips - bets 19,500 - draws J+8/stands (Button)
Dealer shows 5/?

Your opponent has correctly bet enough to cover you even if you manage to double up via a split or double down. He has made a bet such that he wins the round if you both win or both lose the hand. Notice that you can win the round with a win coupled with an opponents loss. This is the swing opportunity you are aiming for.

Suppose your opponent draws a hard 18 and stands. You draw a total of hard 17. Doubling at this point is useless as your best card would be an Ace giving you the same result as your opponent. Your therefore hit and draw a Q for a hard total of 17. You must now continue to hit targeting a total of 19, 20, or 21. You win and your opponent loses if the dealer makes a hand in between your totals. This is the swing and although rare, represents your only chance to win.